| ABSTRACT This study investigated the effect of a drying method with intermittent ratios on the effective drying time, specific energy consumption and essential oil yield of clove basil (Ocimum gratissimum L.) leaves. The drying tests were conducted at the Postharvest Laboratory of Medicinal, Aromatic and Condiment Plants, from the Departamento de Engenharia Agrícola of the Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil (20° 46’ 13.5” S; 42° 52’ 23.3” W, and altitude of 645 m) in October and November 2017. The experiment was conducted by using a 3 × 4 factorial scheme including three drying temperatures at 50, 60 and 70 °C, with four drying processes: continuous drying and the following three intermittent drying/tempering ratios in minutes: 10/20, 15/15... |
